Dante Kennels is a small hobby kennel. I raise and show Shetland Sheepdogs. Here at Dante we believe it is very important to breed to the standard for the Shetland Sheepdog. I have been involved with showing dogs for almost 50 years - starting out as a 4-H kid and I acquired my first sheltie in 1974. I recently took several years off to complete my Master of Fine Arts degree in Theatre - Acting from Virginia Commonwealth University.You can check out my acting career at this link: Elizabeth Brinkley - actress. I am now working as a free lance actress and taking my spare time to re-establish my breeding program in Shelties. I have recently completed all degree work for a Paralegal degree to assist me in my role as a Legislative Liaison.

BREEDERS CODE

I will study the BITCH as well as the sire.

I will study the GRANDPARENTS rather than the parents.

I will not pay attention to breeding superstitions.

I will interpret a pedigree by breeding FACTS AND DOMINANCE ratherthan by names and TITLES

I will keep full breeding records and draw conclusions accordingly.

I will put away culls, weaklings and the deformed shortly after birth.

I will judge a stud to his OFFSPRING even to the third generation.

I will honor most the BRED BY EXHIBITOR dog.

I will give preference to breeding specimens of good temperament andstrong nerves.

I will have patience to TRY AGAIN and again and not be discouraged bylitters which are disappointing.

I will be led on constantly by the seductive dream of one day producingTHE PERFECT DOG OF MY BREED.

And if another breeder forges ahead of me, I shall envy them, but alsoPRAISE THEM.

(AUTHOR UNKNOWN)

Recommended tests for any sheltie being considered as a breeding prospect:

Test for hip dysplasia - a crippling, degenerative, hereditary disorder resulting in disintegration of the hip joint in dogs. By age two, all adult dogs need to have hips x-rayed for hip dysplasia. Most people use OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) which has a web site at www.offa.org. Some people do prelim x-rays at 6 months. Most vets can do these. Approximate cost: (depending on location) $250 to $500 for x-rays, office visit and registration with OFA.

Test for vonWillebrand’s Disease - a hereditary bleeding disorder found in many dogs whether purebred or mixed. Von Willebrand’s Disease or vWD is a DNA test. If you are breeding dogs genetically clear of vWD, then you don't have to do the puppies. This can be done at any time in a dog's life. contact Vetgen at 1 800 4vetgen for info. They have a web site. Approximate cost: $125

Thyroid problems, either hyper or hypo thyroid, hereditary, resulting in inability to breed and sometimes failure to thrive. To do a test have it sent by your veterinarian to Michigan State, to get a baseline and to see the TGAA reading. A full panel for T3 and T4 should be done. A number over 200 "may" indicate possible thyroid problem down the road. Tests under 200 "may" indicate no problems to be expected. Your vet should be able to draw the blood and send it to MSU. If you want the results published on the OFA web site, you need to download a special form first. Approximate cost: $100 to $200

Sheltie eye problems - PRA or progressive retinal atrophy, collie eye syndrome, and sheltie eye syndrome, can result in blindness. Eye exams must be done by a board certified veterinary ophthalmologist. The results if sent in to CERF (Canine Eye Registry Foundation) will appear on OFA web site and on AKC papers for one year. Early tests are for collie eye or CEA. Later tests are for various forms of PRA or progressive retinal atrophy and sheltie eye syndrome. Approximate cost: to prelim puppies - $45 to $75 per puppy, full exam for adults can cost about $250.

Established1974

We have done so much with so little for so long, we think we could do anything with nothing at all in no time flat.

Home of AKC and UKC Champion and Best in Show winning Shetland Sheepdogs

Dante Kennels

Proud member of theAmerican Shetland Sheepdog Association

"I don't adopt my pups, I sell them. They are not rescued. They are planned. They were specifically bred to ensure the best chance for good health, good looks, type, and temperament. All my pups are raised in the house and played with by the whole family until they leave here for a home believed to be exceptional. The adults are shown, loved and allowed to breed in specific ways after extensive research & health testing. I have many references from satisfied owners. If you love your dog, thank a breeder."

Our Belgian Tervuren

Please Read Carefully - due to the new USDA/APHIS regulations, we sell dogs only face to face. All buyers must be willing to provide identification and sign an affidavit that they are NOT working undercover for HSUS, PeTA or any other animal rights extremist group and that their sole purpose in coming to our property is to buy a puppy. Also that they will NOT give information about our property to any humane society or animal rights organization under penalty of prosecution.